October 2018, Vol 8, No 10

Patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) who do not respond to first-line rituximab (Rituxan) therapy are extremely difficult to manage, said Susan E. Prockop, MD, Pediatric Oncologist, Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, at the 2018 European Hematology Association Congress. Read More ›

Oncology practices are challenged by day-to-day operational functions, which are often related to payment, reimbursement, and competition, according to the new survey titled “The State of Oncology Practice in America” from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on the oncology practice landscape in the United States. Read More ›

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, has been outspoken about the critical need to reign in drug prices. Biosimilars are crucial for improving patient access to biologic drugs at an affordable cost. Biologics are now key in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune conditions. But cost remains an obstacle to access to drug therapy. Read More ›

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Utilization management strategies allow payers to manage the cost of healthcare benefits, but according to Ray D. Page, DO, PhD, FACOI, President, the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Weatherford, TX, this practice often leads to burdensome requirements on oncologists and an increased administrative workload. Read More ›

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have been seeking greater influence in the oncology market for several years. They are contracted by health plans and employers to manage the drugs covered under pharmacy benefits, which may include newly approved drugs added to the plan; provision of operational controls, such as step edits; prior authorizations; formulary restrictions; and the review of medical necessity for oral medications. Read More ›